BASF, National Prawn Co. cooperate on algae technology

Saudi Arabia-based National Prawn Co. and the German chemical giant BASF have signed an agreement to work together in developing algae technology. NPC is experienced in designing, building and operating large manmade lakes for its shrimp business, and more recently the firm is developing research programs on new algae species as well as sponsoring aquaculture projects internationally. NPC said BASF is a global leader in technologies used for growing and harvesting algae in open-pond-systems, and in processing algae biomass into products used in beverages and dietary supplements.

One important reason for this collaboration, NPC stated, is the climatic conditions of the Red Sea desert coast line of Western Saudi Arabia that meet the environmental needs of seawater algae and promote algae growth.  

“[This] signed contract is marking once more the ability of Saudi companies to be equal partners with world-class enterprises like BASF,” said NPC’s chairman Sulaiman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi. “It also shows that we are capable of offering solutions for domestic and global needs. We are looking forward to a long cooperation with BASF, the world’s leading chemical company.”

“With our portfolio in the market segments of food, beverages and dietary supplements we are able to meet and anticipate future needs,” said Michael Ceranski, senior vice president of BASF`s human nutrition business unit. “At the same time we are constantly trying to enhance nutrition quality and promote technological innovations. Within these ambitious goals new partnerships like the collaboration with National Prawn Co. are fundamental for us: NPC gives us access to more biomass from algae and to use and leverage the all-year nonchanging climate conditions in Saudi Arabia.”

Eng. Ahmad Rasheed Al-Ballaa, managing director of NPC, added, “We are very pleased and proud that National Prawn Co. and BASF have succeeded in establishing this cooperation, bringing together the best of both companies to create a unique aquaculture project.”